A fabric clamp

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to a fabric clamp ( 9 ) for a garment steamer ( 1 ). The fabric clamp ( 9 ) has a first clamp portion ( 10 ) through which steam is emittable. The fabric clamp ( 9 ) also has a second clamp portion ( 12 ) which is movable relative to the first clamp portion ( 10 ) between a closed position and an open position. The second clamp portion ( 12 ) has a steam vent ( 40 ) through which steam from the first clamp portion ( 10 ) is emittable, and a heater for heating the second clamp portion ( 12 ). The present application also relates to a garment steamer ( 1 ) and an accessory for a garment steamer ( 1 ). This fabric clamp enables a user to remove creases and create pleats from fabric more effectively, and the integrated heater also helps to prevent condensation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fabric clamp for a garment steamer.The present invention also relates to a garment steamer and an accessoryfor a garment steamer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garment steamers are used to remove creases from fabric, such asclothing. Garments steamers typically include a base unit with a waterreservoir and a steam generator, which supplies a steamer head held by auser with steam through a hose. Steam exits the steamer head and is usedto heat up and momentarily moisten the fabric in an attempt to obtaineffective removal of creases from the fabric being treated.

Garment steamers can be used for removing creases from fabric, such asclothing, when it is freely hanging from a hanger. Therefore, using agarment steamer does not require the set up of an ironing board.However, garment steamers are not effective in reproducing or generatingcreases on certain garments, such as shirts and trousers.

In garment steamers, as described above, it is known to provide a clampwhich can be used to generate creases in fabrics, such as clothing,especially in areas where it is difficult to remove creases from, suchas the sides. However, such clamps may promote the formation ofcondensation, causing damp patches on fabric. Furthermore, it isnecessary to remove the clamp from the steamer head to use the steamerhead without clamping fabric.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a fabric clamp for a garmentsteamer, a garment steamer and/or an accessory for a garment steamerwhich substantially alleviates or overcomes the problems mentionedabove.

The invention is defined by the independent claims; the dependent claimsdefine advantageous embodiments.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fabric clamp fora garment steamer, the fabric clamp comprising a first clamp portionthrough which steam is emittable, and a second clamp portion movablerelative to the first clamp portion between a closed position and anopen position, wherein the second clamp portion has a steam vent throughwhich steam from the first clamp portion is emittable, and a heater forheating the second clamp portion.

The heated fabric clamp enables a user to remove creases and createpleats from fabric more effectively. Furthermore, the heater also helpsto prevent condensation occurring in the second clamp portion. Thishelps the fabric clamp avoid creating wet spots on the fabric beingtreated and also helps to prevent hot water dripping onto the user.

The second clamp portion may be rotatable relative to the first clampportion between the closed position and the open position.

Therefore, the user can easily manoeuvre the second clamp portion. Thisenables the user to quickly switch between steaming modes

The second clamp portion may be biased towards the closed position.

Therefore, the fabric clamp returns to the closed position. This enablesthe fabric clamp to clamp the fabric to be treated without the userhaving to hold the fabric clamp closed. The user does not have to holdthe fabric clamp closed when using the fabric clamp to do normalsteaming.

The fabric clamp may further comprise a lever configured to urge thesecond clamp portion away from the first clamp portion into the openposition.

Therefore, only a small force needs to be applied by the user to urgethe second clamp portion away from the first clamp portion to enable thefabric to be received between them. Furthermore, the users fingers arefurther from the hot steam and steaming of a fabric can be performedwith one hand.

The second clamp portion may comprise a first fabric contact surface anda second fabric contact surface on opposite sides of the second clampportion.

Therefore, the fabric clamp can be used in two different ways. Firstly,the fabric clamp can be used in a standard steamer mode in which thefirst fabric contact surface is placed proximate to the fabric.Secondly, the fabric clamp can be used in a clamp steamer mode in whichfabric is received between the second fabric contact surface and thefirst clamp portion.

The steam vent may communicate between the first fabric contact surfaceand the second fabric contact surface.

Therefore, steam can pass through the second clamp portion to enable thefabric clamp to be used like a conventional steamer.

The first fabric contact surface may be spaced from, and may extend atleast substantially parallel to, the second fabric contact surface.

Therefore, there is room in the second clamp portion to receive theheater.

The heater may be between the first fabric contact surface and thesecond fabric contact surface.

Therefore, the heater is able to heat the fabric contact surfaces evenlyto help prevent steam condensing as it flows through the second clampportion of the fabric clamp. The heater is also unable to contact anddamage delicate fabrics

The first clamp portion may comprise a third fabric contact surfacefacing said second fabric contact surface.

Therefore, the fabric clamp can be used to clamp fabric between thefirst and second clamp portions and remove or create creases in thefabric.

The first clamp portion may comprise a steam aperture through whichsteam is emittable.

Therefore, steam discharged from the garment steamer is able to enterthe fabric clamp and can be used to treat the fabric.

The steam vent may be aligned with a steam aperture.

This helps to reduce the resistance to the steam flow. Therefore, steamis able to flow through the fabric clamp more easily. This reducesturbulence in the fabric clamp and helps to prevent steam becomingtrapped in the fabric clamp and condensing.

A garment steamer comprising the fabric clamp according to any one ofclaims 1 to 11.

The garment steamer with the heated fabric clamp enables a user toremove creases and create pleats from fabric more effectively.Furthermore, the heater also helps to prevent condensation occurring inthe second clamp portion. This helps the fabric clamp avoid creating wetspots on the fabric being treated and also helps to prevent hot waterdripping onto the user.

An accessory for a garment steamer comprising a fabric clamp accordingto any one of claims 1 to 11.

Therefore, the fabric clamp may be attached and removed as necessary forthe removal and/or creation of creases.

The first clamp portion may comprise a mount for mounting the accessoryto a garment steamer head.

Therefore, the fabric clamp comprises fewer parts and so is lesscomplex.

The fabric clamp may further comprise electrical contacts toelectrically connect the heater with a power supply of a garmentsteamer.

Therefore, the fabric clamp does not have to comprise its own powersource which reduces the weight and complexity of the fabric clamp.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from andelucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a garment steamer having agarment steamer head;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a garment steamer headshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the garment steamer headshown in FIG. 2 with a fabric clamp attached;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed schematic view of an embodiment of a first clampportion of the fabric clamp shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the fabric clampand garment steamer head shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the fabric clamp shown in FIG. 3attached to the garment steamer head in an open position; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the fabric clamp shown in FIG. 3attached to the garment steamer head in a closed position with fabricreceived in the fabric clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a garment steamer 1. The garmentsteamer 1 generates steam which is used to heat and moisten a fabric(not shown in FIG. 1) to aid the removal of creases from the fabric.Fabrics to be treated include, but are not limited to, clothing.

The garment steamer 1 comprises a steamer base 2 and a garment steamerhead 4. The garment steamer head 4 communicates with the steamer base 2via a hose 3. The steamer base 2 has a water reservoir (not shown) and asteam generator (not shown). The water reservoir stores water which isfed into the steam generator. Water fed to the steam generator isevaporated into steam and fed to the steamer head 4 via the hose 3. Thesteam is then emitted from the garment steamer head 4 via a steam outlet8.

Although in the present embodiment steam is generated in the steamerbase 2 and fed to the garment steamer head 4 via the hose 3, it will beunderstood that alternative arrangements are possible. For example, inanother embodiment the steam generator is in the garment steamer head 4and water is fed from the water reservoir in the steamer base 2 to thegarment steamer head 4 via the hose 3. In a further embodiment, thesteamer base 2 is omitted and the steam generator and water reservoirare in the garment steamer head 4.

The steamer head 4 is manoeuvrable relative to the steamer base 2. Steamgenerated in the steamer base 2 flows through the hose 3 to the garmentsteamer head 4. The garment steamer head 4 is held by a user and ispositionable against a fabric to be treated.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the garment steamer head 4 of the garmentsteamer 1 is shown in more detail. The garment steamer head 4 has a body5. The garment steamer head 4 comprises a handle portion 6. The handleportion 6 is configured to allow a user to hold the garment steamer head4. The garment steamer head 4 further comprises a steamer surface 7. Thesteamer surface 7 is formed by a steamer plate at one end of the garmentsteamer head 4. The steamer surface 7 is configured to be positionedagainst, or proximate to, the fabric to be treated. The handle portion 6and the steamer surface 7 are at opposing ends of the garment steamerhead 4.

The garment steamer head 4 further comprises the steam outlet 8. Steamprovided to the garment steamer head 4 is emitted through the steamoutlet 8. The steam outlet 8 is formed in the steamer surface 7. Thesteam outlet 8 comprises a plurality of steam apertures 8 a. It will beunderstood that the number of steam apertures 8 a may vary. For example,in one embodiment the steam outlet 8 comprises a single steam aperture.The steam outlet 8 is configured to direct steam from the garmentsteamer head 4 towards a fabric to be treated when the steamer surface 7is positioned against, or proximate to, the fabric to be treated. The oreach steam aperture 8 a may be, for example, but not limited to,circular, elliptical, or rectangular.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of thegarment steamer head 4, shown in FIG. 2, with a fabric clamp 9 attached.In the present embodiment, the fabric clamp 9 is separable from thegarment steamer head 4, however in an alternative embodiment the fabricclamp 9 is an integral part of the garment steamer head 4, as willbecome apparent hereinafter.

The fabric clamp 9 comprises a first clamp portion 10 and a second clampportion 12. The second clamp portion 12 extends from the first clampportion 10. The second clamp portion 12 is hingedly attached to thefirst clamp portion 10. Therefore, the second clamp portion 12 ismovable relative to the first clamp portion 10. The first and secondclamp portions 10, 12 are attached by a hinge 13. The hinge 13 allowsthe second clamp portion 12 to be rotated relative to the first clampportion 10. The fabric clamp 9 further comprises a biasing arrangement14 to bias the first and second clamp portions 10, 12 from an openposition, in which the second clamp portion 12 is spaced apart from thefirst clamp portion 10, to a closed position, in which the second clampportion 12 abuts the first clamp portion 10.

The fabric clamp 9 has a mount 11. The mount 11 releasably mounts thefabric clamp 9 to the garment steamer head 4. In the present embodiment,the mount 11 is on the first clamp portion 10. The mount 11 allows thefirst clamp portion 10 to mount to the garment steamer head 4. Thefabric clamp 9 is configured to mount over the steamer surface 7 of thegarment steamer head 4. When the fabric clamp 9 is mounted to thegarment steamer head 4, the second clamp portion 12 is movable relativeto the steamer surface 7. A lever 15 extends from the second clampportion 12 to allow the second clamp portion 12 to be urged to moverelative to the first clamp portion 12.

The second clamp portion 12 defines a first fabric contact surface 16and a second fabric contact surface 17. The first and second fabriccontact surfaces 16, 17 are on opposite sides of the second clampportion 12. The first fabric contact surface 16 is on an outer side ofthe second clamp portion 12. The second fabric contact surface 17 is onan inner side of the second clamp portion 12. The first clamp portion 10defines a third fabric contact surface 18. The third fabric contactsurface 18 faces the second fabric contact surface 17 on the secondclamp portion 12. The second and third fabric contact surfaces 17, 18act as clamping surfaces. That is, the second and third fabric contactsurfaces 17, 18 are brought together in the closed position, and aremoved away from each other in the open position.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4, the first clamp portion 10 of thefabric clamp 9 is shown with the remainder of the fabric clamp 9omitted. The first clamp portion 10 comprises a first fabric pressingpart 19 and the mount 11. The first fabric pressing part 19 acts as afabric contact plate.

The first fabric pressing part 19 defines the third fabric contactsurface 18. The mount 11 extends from an opposing side of the firstfabric pressing part 19 to the third fabric contact surface 18. Thefirst fabric pressing part 19 has a steamer surface contact surface 20configured to abut the steamer surface 7, as shown in FIG. 2, when thefabric clamp 9 is mounted to the garment steamer head 4, as shown inFIG. 3.

The first fabric pressing part 19 is generally disc shaped. However, itwill be understood, that the shape of the first fabric contact plate maydiffer. The first fabric pressing part 19 may be adapted to correspondwith the shape of the steamer surface 7 end of the garment steamer head4.

The first fabric pressing part 19 has a steam aperture 21. The steamaperture 21 is defined through the first fabric pressing part 19. Thesteam aperture 21 extends between the steamer plate contact surface 20and the third fabric contact surface 18. The steam aperture 21 allowssteam flowing out of the steam outlet 8 of the garment steamer head 4,shown in FIG. 2, to flow through the first clamp portion 10. However, itwill be understood that the first fabric pressing part 19 may comprise aplurality of steam apertures 21. The or each steam aperture 21 isaligned with the steam outlet 8 of the garment steamer head 4 to helpprovide unrestricted steam flow through the first fabric pressing part19.

The mount 11 is configured to attach the first clamp portion 10, andtherefore the fabric clamp 9, to the garment steamer head 4, as shown inFIG. 3. In the present embodiment the mount 11 is formed as a releasableclip arrangement, although other mounting arrangements are envisaged.The mount 11 comprises a first mounting wall 22. The first mounting wall22 extends partially around the periphery of one end of the first fabricpressing part 19. The first mounting wall 22 converges inwardly towardsa free end 23 of the first mounting wall. The alignment of the firstmounting wall 22 relative to the first fabric pressing part 19corresponds to the arrangement of the steamer surface 7 end of thegarment steamer head 4. The first mounting wall 22 is configured toextend around a portion of the garment steamer head 4 at the steamersurface 7 end, as shown in FIG. 3.

The mount 11 further comprises a second mounting wall 24. The secondmounting wall 24 extends at an opposing end of the periphery of thefirst fabric pressing part 19. The second mounting wall 24 is configuredto contact a portion of the garment steamer head 4 at the steamersurface 7 end, as shown in FIG. 3.

In the present embodiment, the mount 11 is a push fit on the body 5 ofthe garment steamer head 4 so that the fabric clamp 9 is retained on thegarment steamer head 4. However, alternative arrangements are envisaged,for example, the first and second mounting walls 22, 24 may compriseresilient, flexible tabs (not shown) that locate in apertures (notshown) in the body 5 of the garment steamer head 4. Any suitable mountarrangement may be used to attach the fabric clamp 9 to the garmentsteamer head 4. In the present arrangement, the mount 11 is integrallyformed with the first fabric pressing part 19.

The first clamp portion 10 also has a first hinge portion 25 of thehinge 13. The first hinge portion 25 of the hinge 13 extends from thefirst fabric pressing part 19. The first hinge portion 25 is configuredto hingedly connect the first clamp portion 10 with the second clampportion 12 of the fabric clamp 9 as will be described hereinafter. Thefirst hinge portion 25 comprises two spaced flange portions 26, eachwith a shaft hole 27 for receiving a shaft 28 (refer to FIG. 5).

The first clamp portion 10 is formed from a plastic, although othersuitable materials may be used. In the present embodiment, the firstclamp portion 10 is formed from a heat insulating material, however inan alternative embodiment, the first clamp portion 10 may be formed froma material with a high thermal conductivity.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded perspective view ofthe second clamp portion 12, with the remainder of the fabric clamp 9omitted. The second clamp portion 12 comprises a second fabric pressingpart 29 and the lever 15. A heater 30 is in the second fabric pressingpart 29. The second fabric pressing part 29 is generally disc shaped andcorresponds to the shape of the first fabric pressing part 19.

The second fabric pressing part 29 has an outer surface defining thefirst fabric contact surface 16 and an inner surface defining the secondfabric contact surface 17. The first and second fabric contact surfaces16, 17 form opposing sides of the second fabric pressing part 29. Thesecond fabric contact surface 17 faces the third fabric contact surface18 as shown in FIG. 6. The second fabric contact surface 17 isconfigured to abut the third fabric contact surface 18 when the fabricclamp 9 is in its closed position, as shown in FIG. 3.

The second fabric pressing part 29 comprises a frame 31, an innercontact plate 32 and an outer contact plate 33. The frame 31 comprises aperipheral side wall 34. The peripheral side wall 34 forms the outeredge of the second fabric pressing part 29. The peripheral side wall 34defines a heater receiving space 35 therebetween. The heater 30 isreceived in the heater receiving space 35. The inner contact plate 32and outer contact plate 33 are mounted on opposing sides of the frame31. The inner contact plate 32 and outer contact plate 33 are spacedfrom each other. The inner contact plate 32 and outer contact plate 33locate against a shoulder 36 formed on an inner side of the peripheralside wall 34 of the frame 31. It will be understood that alternativearrangements are possible, for example the inner contact plate 32 andouter contact plate 33 may be integrally formed.

The first fabric contact surface 16 is formed by the outer contact plate33. The second fabric contact surface 17 is formed by the inner contactplate 32.

The inner contact plate 32 is partially received in the frame 31.Therefore, the second fabric contact surface 17 protrudes from the frame31. The second fabric contact surface 17 defines an exterior surface ofthe inner contact plate 32. The opposing side of the inner contact plate32 defines an inner contact plate interior surface 37. An inner contactplate recess 38 is defined by the inner contact plate interior surface37. The inner contact plate recess 38 is configured to partially receivethe heater 30.

The thickness of the inner contact plate 32 is less than or equal to 1mm in the present embodiment. Inner contact plate steam holes 39 areformed through the inner contact plate 32. The inner contact plate steamholes 39 communicate between the second fabric contact surface 17 andthe inner contact plate interior surface 37. Although seven innercontact plate steam holes 39 are shown, it will be understood that thenumber of steam holes may vary. The inner contact plate steam holes 39form part of a steam vent 40 through the second fabric pressing part 29.The inner contact plate steam holes 39 align with the steam aperture 21of the first fabric pressing part 19 in the closed position.

The outer contact plate 33 is partially received in the frame 31. Theshape of the outer contact plate 33 corresponds to the inner contactplate 32. The first fabric contact surface 16 defines an exteriorsurface of the outer contact plate 33. The opposing side of the outercontact plate 33 defines an outer contact plate interior surface 41. Anouter contact plate recess (not shown) is defined by the outer contactplate interior surface 41. The outer contact plate recess is configuredto partially receive the heater 30.

The thickness of the outer contact plate 33 is less than or equal to 1mm in the present embodiment. Outer contact plate steam holes 42 areformed through the outer contact plate 33. The outer contact plate steamholes 42 communicate between the first fabric contact surface 16 and theinterior surface 42. Although seven outer contact plate steam holes 42are shown, it will be understood that the number of steam holes mayvary. The outer contact plate steam holes 42 align with the innercontact plate steam holes 39. The outer contact plate steam holes 42form part of a steam vent 40 through the second fabric pressing part 29.

The first fabric contact surface 16 is configured to contact, or locateproximate to, fabric when the fabric clamp 9 is in the closed positionand is placed against a fabric instead of the fabric being clampedbetween the first and second fabric pressing parts 19, 29.

The inner and outer contact plates 32, 33, and therefore the first andsecond fabric contact surfaces 16, 17, have a high thermal conductivity.The high thermal conductivity helps to increase the heat distributionacross the first and second fabric contact surfaces 16, 17 and increasesthe heat transferred to the fabric in order to help prevent condensationand aid the removal of crease from the fabric. The first inner and outercontact plates 32, 33 may be formed from materials including, forexample, but not limited to aluminium.

The steam vent 40 allows steam that has passed through the first fabricpressing part 19 to flow through the second fabric pressing part 29, andso flow from the fabric clamp 9 when the fabric clamp 9 is in its closedposition. The steam vent 40 defines a pathway through the second fabricpressing part 29. Steam flowing through the steam vent 40 passes throughthe heater receiving space 35. However, it will be understood that thesteam vent 40 may be distinct from the heater receiving space 35.

The heater 30 is configured to heat the second fabric pressing part 29.The heater 30 is received in the second pressing part 29 between theinner and outer contact plates 32, 33, however the heater 30 may beintegrally formed therewith. The heater 30 may be formed of two or moreheater elements. In the present embodiment, the heater 30 is anelectrical heating device. The heater 30 extends in the heater receivingspace 35.

The heater 30 is configured to control the temperature of the inner andouter contact plates 32, 33. The heater 30 is configured to maintain thetemperature of the first and second fabric contact surfaces 16, 17within the range of 120-145 degrees Celsius (° C.). By heating thesecond fabric pressing part 29, condensation of steam passing throughthe second fabric pressing part 29 is restricted, and any condensationin the steam may be evaporated. This helps to prevent wet spots on thefabric being treated and hot water dripping on the user's hands. At thesame time, the temperature is low enough to protect delicate fabricsfrom damage.

The heater 30 is a light-weight heater. The light-weight heater 30 helpsto keep the weight of the fabric clamp 9 down. Therefore, the fabricclamp 9 is a light-weigth fabric clamp. As the heater 30 is only used tore-heat steam generated by the steam generator (not shown) having alight-weight, and therefore, smaller, heater 30 does not affect thesteam rate. Having the light-weight heater 30 proximate to the fabrichelps to ensure that steam does not condense when passing through thesecond clamp portion 12.

Electrical contacts (not shown) are on the fabric clamp 9 andcommunicate with corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on thegarment steamer head 4 when the fabric clamp 9 is mounted to the garmentsteamer head 4. That is, the electrical contacts on each of the fabricclamp 9 and the garment steamer head 4 align with and abut against eachother when the fabric clamp 9 is mounted to the garment steamer head 4.The electrical contacts (not shown) on the fabric clamp 9 electricallycommunicate with the heater 30. The electrical contacts (not shown) onthe garment steamer head 4 electrically communicate with the powersupply (not shown). Therefore, the heater may be operated.

The lever 15 extends from the frame 31 of the second fabric pressingpart 29. The lever 15 is elongate. The lever 15 has a generallyrectangular cross-section extending away from the second fabric pressingpart 29. The lever 15 extends at an acute angle to the plane of thefirst and second fabric contact surfaces 16, 17. The lever 15 allows auser to manoeuvre the second clamp portion 12. The lever 15 and frame 31of the second fabric pressing part 29 are formed from a plastic,although other suitable materials may be used. In the presentembodiment, the frame 31 is formed from a heat insulating material.

The second clamp portion 12 has a second hinge portion 43 of the hinge13. The second hinge portion 43 of the hinge 13 is disposed at a baseend 44 of the lever 15. The second hinge portion 43 is therefore betweenthe lever 15 and the second fabric pressing part 29. The second hingeportion 43 is configured to hingedly connect with the first hingeportion 25, such that the first clamp portion 10 hinges with the secondclamp portion 12 of the fabric clamp 9 as will be described hereinafter.The second hinge portion 43 is configured to be received between the twospaced flange portions 26 of the first hinge portion 25. A shaftaperture 45 for receiving the shaft 28 is formed through the secondhinge portion 43. The shaft aperture 45 is configured to align with theshaft holes 27 formed in the first hinge portion 25.

The shaft 28 pivotably mounts the first and second clamp portions 10,12. The shaft 28 connects the first hinge portion 25 with the secondhinge portion 43. The shaft 28 is a cylindrical pin. The shaft 28extends through the shaft holes 27 and shaft aperture 44. The shaft 28is fixedly mounted to the first clamp portion 10, and the second clampportion 12 is rotatable thereabout. However, it will be understood thatalternative arrangements are possible. The shaft 28 defines a pivot axisof the fabric clamp 9.

The biasing arrangement 14 biases the first and second clamp portions10, 12 from the open position, in which the second clamp portion 12 isspaced apart from the first clamp portion 10, to the closed position, inwhich the second clamp portion 12 abuts the first clamp portion 10.

In the present embodiment, the biasing arrangement 14 of the fabricclamp 9 comprises a torsional spring 47, as shown in FIG. 5. Thetorsional spring 47 is a helical torsional spring. The coil of thetorsional spring 47 locates around the shaft 28, between the two spacedflange portions 26 of the first hinge portion 25. At each end of thecoiled portion of the torsional spring 47 is an arm. The arms extendtangentially from the coiled portion. In the present embodiment, one armof the torsional spring 47 abuts the first clamp portion 10 and theopposing arm of the torsional spring 47 abuts the second clamp portion12.

The torsional spring 47 is configured to bias the fabric clamp 9 intothe closed position in which the second clamp portion 12 abuts the firstclamp portion 10 when no fabric is placed between the second and thirdfabric contact surfaces 17, 18. The user may easily overcome the forceprovided by the torsional spring 47 by urging the lever 15 towards thebody 5 of the steamer head 4, as shown in FIG. 6. The lever 15 pivotsabout the hinge 13.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the fabric clamp 9 is shown assembled andmounted to the steamer head 4. The electrical contacts (not shown) onthe fabric clamp 9 electrically communicate with the electrical contacts(not shown) on the fabric clamp 9, so that power is supplied to theheater 30. A user applies an urging force to the lever 15 to move thefabric clamp 9 into its open position. That is, the second fabriccontact surface 17 and the third fabric contact surface 18 are separatedand moved away from each other.

When the fabric clamp 9 is mounted to the garment steamer head 4 via themount 11, the steamer surface 7 of the garment steamer head 4 isenclosed by the first clamp portion 10. The first clamp portion 10 isfixedly located relative to the steamer surface 7. The second clampportion 12 is pivotable relative to the first clamp portion 10 and thegarment steamer head 4. The force biasing the first and second clampportions 10, 12 together, provided by the torsional spring 47 may beovercome by the user drawing the lever 15 towards the steamer head 4.Therefore, one-handed usage is possible.

When the garment steamer 1 is operated, steam flows to the garmentsteamer head 4 via the hose 3. Steam flows through the garment steamerhead 4 and is emitted from the garment steamer head 4 via the steamoutlet 8 (refer to FIG. 2). Power is also supplied to the heater 30,such that the heater 30 is operated.

Steam flowing through the steam outlet 8 in the steamer surface 7 of thegarment steamer head 4 flows to the steam aperture 21 in the firstfabric pressing part 19 of the first clamp portion 10. Steam istherefore, able to flow through the first clamp portion 10. When thefabric clamp 9 is in the closed position, steam flowing through thefirst clamp portion 10, via the steam aperture 21, flows to the secondclamp portion 12.

The fabric clamp 9 can be used in a clamp steaming mode or in a standardsteaming mode. The fabric clamp 9 being used in the clamp steaming modeis shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The fabric clamp 9 can be used in the clampsteaming mode to remove creases from areas of the fabric which aredifficult to de-wrinkle. The fabric clamp 9 can also be used as a clampsteamer to create or renew pleats in the fabric enabling the user tostyle the fabric.

The user initially moves the fabric clamp 9 into the open position. Theuser then places a fabric to be treated between the first and secondfabric pressing parts 19, 29. The user then releases the lever 15 of thesecond clamp portion 12 and the biasing arrangement 14 urges the secondfabric pressing part 29 towards the first fabric pressing part 19, suchthat the fabric clamp 9 moves to its closed position. The fabric is thenclamped between the second fabric contact surface 17 and the thirdfabric contact surface 18.

Steam flows from the garment steamer head 4 through the steam outlet 8,shown in FIG. 2, in the steamer surface 7 towards the fabric. The steamtemporarily heats and moistens the fabric to help the removal of creasesand the pressure of the fabric clamp 9 applied by opposing second andthird fabric contact surfaces 17, 18 helps to flatten the fabric.Therefore, creases can be removed or pleats created along fold lines inthe fabric. The second fabric contact surface 17 is heated by the heater30, and so heat is applied to the fabric by the heater. This helps toheat the fabric and also reheat the steam. This helps to prevent steamcondensing on the fabric causing wet spots. It also helps to preventsteam condensing and dripping onto the user's hands. The steam is ableto flow from between the second and third fabric contact surfaces 17, 18and from edges of the fabric clamp 9. Steam flowing through the fabricreceived between the first and second fabric pressing parts 19, 29 isalso able to pass through the steam vent 40 in the second fabricpressing part 29. Steam passing through the steam vent 40 is heated byheat energy from the heater 30. This helps to remove any condensation inthe steam. Therefore, condensation is prevented from forming anddripping.

The user can either reposition the garment steamer head 4 with thefabric clamp 9 attached to remove creases and/or create pleats along apiece of fabric or the garment steamer head 4 with the fabric clamp 9attached can be pulled along the fabric. When the fabric has beentreated, the fabric clamp 9 is moved into its open position and thefabric removed.

When the fabric clamp 9 is used in the standard steaming mode, thefabric clamp 9 is in the closed position. Fabric is not received betweenthe second and third fabric contact surfaces 17, 18. The biasingarrangement 14 maintains the fabric clamp 9 in the closed position. Insuch use, the garment steamer 1 is operated, and steam flows from thegarment steamer head 4 through the steam outlet 8. The steam passes tothe steam aperture 21 in the first fabric pressing part 16 of the firstclamp portion 10 which is aligned with the steam outlet 8. Steamtherefore flows through the first clamp portion 10 to the second clampportion 12.

The steam is able to flow through the steam vent 40 in the second fabricpressing part 29. The steam vent 40 is aligned with the steam aperture21 in the first fabric pressing part 19. Therefore, a steam path isdefined through the fabric clamp 9. The second fabric contact surface 17is heated, and so steam at the second fabric contact surface 17 isheated by the second fabric contact surface 17 and restricted fromcondensing. Steam then passes through the steam vent 40. As the steampasses along the steam vent 40, the steam is reheated by heat from theheater 30. The heat helps to prevent steam condensing as it flowsthrough the fabric clamp 9. The steam is then emitted from the firstfabric contact surface 16. The first fabric contact surface 16 is alsoheated by the heater 30.

The first fabric contact surface 16 is placed against, or proximate to,a fabric to be treated. Therefore, steam flowing out of the steam vent40 is emitted towards the fabric. The user manoeuvres the fabric clamp 9across the fabric to remove the creases. The heated first fabric contactsurface 16 and reheated steam due to flowing through the steam vent 40helps to maximise the efficiency of the garment steamer 1. The heatedfirst fabric contact surface 16 and reheated steam also helps to preventcondensation forming due to the steam path formed through the fabricclamp 9.

In the presently described embodiments, the fabric clamp 9 is detachablefrom the garment steamer head 4 so that the fabric clamp 9 can beattached and removed by the user to suit their needs. When attached, thesecond and third fabric contact surfaces 17, 18 can be used to clamp andsteam the fabric in the clamp steaming mode. Alternatively, in standardsteaming mode the first contact surface 16 can be used for steaming. Thestandard steaming mode benefits from the heater 30 preventingcondensation between the first and second contact surfaces 16, 17 of thesecond clamp portion 12.

However, it will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, theaspects of the fabric clamp 9 are integrally formed with the steamerhead 4. In such an arrangement, the third fabric contact surface 18 maybe the steamer surface 7 of the garment steamer head 4, such that thegarment steamer head 4 defines the first clamp portion. In another sucharrangement, the first clamp portion 10 may be integrally formed withthe steamer surface 7 of the garment steamer head 4.

Alternatively, the first fabric pressing part 19 may be omitted, suchthat the second fabric pressing part 29 is mounted directly to thesteamer head 4 via a hinge. In such an arrangement, the third fabriccontact surface 18 may be the steamer surface 7 of the garment steamerhead 4. Therefore, fabric would be clamped between the steamer surface7, acting as a fabric contact surface, and the second fabric contactsurface 17, such that the garment steamer head 4 defines the first clampportion.

It will be understood that the fabric clamp 9 is suitable for a garmentsteamer head 4 which forms part of a garment steamer 1. The garmentsteamer 1 may be of, for example, but not limited to, the stand garmentsteamer type comprising a base unit (not shown) and a fabric positioningelement (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the term “comprising” does not exclude otherelements or steps and that the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude a plurality. A single processor may fulfil the functions ofseveral items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measuresare recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicatethat a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. Anyreference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting thescope of the claims.

Although claims have been formulated in this application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel features orany novel combinations of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does theparent invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims maybe formulated to such features and/or combinations of features duringthe prosecution of the present application or of any further applicationderived therefrom.

1. A fabric clamp for a garment steamer, the fabric clamp comprising: a first clamp portion through which steam is emittable, and a second clamp portion movable relative to the first clamp portion between a closed position and an open position, the second clamp portion comprising a steam vent through which steam from the first clamp portion is emittable, wherein the fabric clamp also comprises: a heater for heating the second clamp portion to prevent steam emitted from the first clamp portion from condensing in the second clamp portion.
 2. The fabric clamp according to claim 1, wherein the second clamp portion is rotatable relative to the first clamp portion between the closed position and the open position.
 3. The fabric clamp according to claim 1, wherein the second clamp portion is biased towards the closed position.
 4. The fabric clamp according to claim 3, further comprising a lever configured to urge the second clamp portion away from first clamp portion into the open position.
 5. The fabric clamp according to claim 1, wherein the second clamp portion comprises a first fabric contact surface and a second fabric contact surface on opposite sides of the second clamp portion.
 6. The fabric clamp according to claim 5, wherein the steam vent communicates between the first fabric contact surface and the second fabric contact surface.
 7. The fabric clamp according to claim 5, wherein the first fabric contact surface is spaced from, and extends at least substantially parallel to, the second fabric contact surface.
 8. The fabric clamp according to claim 5, wherein the heater is between the first fabric contact surface and the second fabric contact surface.
 9. The fabric clamp according to claim 5, wherein the first clamp portion comprises a third fabric contact surface facing said second fabric contact surface.
 10. The fabric clamp according to claim 1, wherein the first clamp portion comprises a steam aperture through which steam is emittable.
 11. The fabric clamp according to claim 10, wherein the steam vent is aligned with the steam aperture.
 12. A garment steamer comprising: a garment steamer head having a steamer surface; and a steam outlet formed in the steamer surface; wherein the garment steamer comprises the fabric clamp according to claim
 1. 13. An accessory for a garment steamer comprising the fabric clamp according to claim 1, wherein the first clamp portion comprises a mount for mounting the accessory to a garment steamer head.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The accessory according to claim 14, wherein the fabric clamp further comprises electrical contacts to electrically connect the heater with a power supply of a garment steamer.
 16. A garment steamer according to claim 12, wherein the fabric clamp is configured to mount over the steamer surface of the garment steamer head. 